Tire-chain connector



. GROVES.

UHE CHAIN CONNECTOR,

APPLICATION mm mun .ANDA

Patented Oct. 17, 1922.

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DELPH AND ALVA S. GROVES, OF TERRA ALTA, WEST VIRGINIA.

TIRE-CHAIN ooniiisc'ron.

Application filed June 7, 1921. Serial No. 475,717.

To all to ham it may concern.

Be it known that we, Dnnrn ll. Gnovns and Anvil S. Gnovns, citizens oithe United States, residing at Terra Alta, in the county of Preston and State of [Vest Virginia, have invented certain new and useful improvements in a Tire-Chain Connector; and we do hereby declare the following to be a lull, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The invention relates to fastening means for connecting parts which require to be repeatedly separated and joined, such as a tire chain, and which must maintain a secure joint to prevent casual loosening or opening by jar or vibration.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent and suggest themselves as the nature ol the invention is understood.

While the drawing illustrates an embodiment of the invention is to be understood that in adapting the same to meet different conditions and requirements, various changes in the form, proportion and minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the nature of the invention.

Referring to the accompanying drawing forming a part oithe specification,

Figure 1 is side view of a fastener embodying the invention showing the same in operative position.

Figure 2 is an elevation of the fastener the near plate bein removed and the lock in its position.

Figure 3 is a transverse section on the line 0200 of Figure l, and

Figure i is a topview of the fastener.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and designated in the several views of the drawing by like reference characters.

T he fastener comprises similar or like side gt lates l disposed in parallel relation and transversely spaced. A spring 2 is disposed between the plates 1 along the rear or back thereof (Hil secured at one end by rivets or fastening; which likewise serve to connect the pla" s l. A notch e is formed in the upper ed e O'f each of the plates 1. and these notches align transversely and are in- ;vardly curved and disposed at one end of the plates. A look member 5 is disposed between the upper edge portions of the plates l and is pivoted at one end thereto, as indicated at6, the notches a being concentric with thepivot fastening 6. The lock 5 is provided near its pivotal end with a notch 7 which is in registering position with the notches l. The pivotal end of the lock 5 is curved inwardly, as indicated at 8, and its extremity is straight to make contact with the free end of the spring 2 whereby the lock is normally held in closed position. The opposite or free end of the lock 5 is also pro- 'vided with a notch 9 whereby to provide clearance for the part attached to the fastener. The swinging end of the lock 5 is likewise curved inwardly, as indicated at 10, to engage the opposite end ofthe spring 2 and limit the closing of the look. A projection ll at the swinging end of the lock 5 enables a digit of the hand to obtain a purchase thereon when it is required to open the lock to release the. parts coupled thereby or to place said parts in position to be connected. Registering openings 12 arei'ormed in the plates 1 and lock 5 to receive a cotter pin 13 whereby the lock may be secured when in closed position.

The ends of a tire chain to be connected are designated by the numerals 14 and'la, The end 14 is permanently connected to the fastener as indicated at 16 and the notch 9 in the lock 5 clears the part 16 when the lock is closed. The end 15 is adapted to make detachable connection with the i'astener and when in engagement therewith enters the notches 4 of the plates 1 and the notch 7 of the lock 5, the latter when closed preventing displacement of the end 15 from the notches i, The spring 2 is ordinarily sutficient to hold the lock 5 closed but the same may be further secured by means of the cotter pin 13 in the manner indicated.

Having thus described the invention, What we claim is: l. A connector of the character specified comprising companion plates spaced apart and having corresponding notches in an end portion. thereof, a fiat spring secured be tween corresponding edge portions of the plates and a lock disposed between the opposite edge portions of the plates and having opposite end portions inwardly tapered and notched, said loch being pivoted at one end and closing the outer end of the notches formed in the spaced plates and normally held closed by the action of said flat spring. 2. A connector of the character specified coinprising companion plates spaced" apart undhaving registering openings one end Lo re eive a part to be connected and having corresponding notches in its opposite end portions 'to'receive the other parts to be oonnested, a flat spring arranged betweenrcorresponding edge portions of the plates and a lock disposed between the opposite edge 'portlons of the plates and having opposite end portions inwardly curved and notched to register With. the notches and openlngs of the said plates soidlooks being pivoted at one end to-the plates and normally closing VII- G- CQLE; 

